The Sparta Spartans's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their fourth straight loss. They took a 69-50 bruising from Reedsburg. While losing is never fun, Sparta can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Wisconsin basketball rankings (they are ranked 317th, while Reedsburg is ranked 86th).
Sparta lost despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Amelia Russ, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and ten rebounds. That's the first time this season that Russ pulled down eight or more rebounds. Elexa Jones was another key contributor, scoring seven points along with five rebounds.
Sparta's defeat dropped their record down to 2-7. As for Reedsburg, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 6-1.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Sparta will be home for the holidays to greet Luther at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Reedsburg won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Portage at 7:15 p.m. on December 15th.